
Author . 



Title 



loiprirsit. 



10— 47872-2 GPO 







THE 



VALLEY OF THE RIO GRANDE : 

ITS TOPOGRAPHY AKD 
RESOUPvCES. 



JOHN AUSTIN STEVENS, Jr. 



FOFR SALE BY SINCLAIR TOUSEY, 
121 Ifassau Street. 



NEW YORK: 

WM. C. BRYANT & CO., PRINTERS, 41 NASSAU ST.. Coa. LIBERTY. 

18 6 4. 



a 



THE 



VALLEY OF THE RIO GRANDE : 



ITS TOPOGRAPHY AND 
RESOURCES- 



JOHN AUSTIN STEVENS, Jr. 






FOR SALE BY SINCLAIR TOUSEY, 
121 Ne^ssau Street* 




KEWYORK: 

WM, C. BRYANT & CO., PRINTERS, 41 NASSAU ST., Cor. LIBERTY. 

18 64. 



This gketch of tLe TopograpJiy, Resources^ and Trade of {lie Valley of {fie 
Rio Grande, was originally published in the New York Tribune of the 8th 
of Deceraber, under the title of the " Reoccupation of the Rio Grande," 
and was intended to attract public attention to this fertile region, which, 
in view of the Trench movements in Southern and Central Mesico, pre- 
sents a field of peculiar interest to the United States at this time. At the 
request of numerous gentlemen interested in the subject of our Mexican 
trade and relations, the original article has been much enlarged and placed 
in a more tangible form ; all the facts stated are from reliable authorities, 
and mostly derived from official sources. 



[ 



THE fllUE! OF THE RIO GEAUDE 



The landing of a United States force at the mouth of 
the Rio Grande, and the occnpation of the important 
positions of Point Isabel and Brownsville, after an aban- 
donment of nearly three years, form an era in the history 
of the war. The movement is of the gravest importance, 
whether considered in its relation to the Rebellion itself, 
to the changed condition of Mexico, or to the possible 
embarrassments which may result from it in the conduct 
of our diplomatic relations with France. We propose 
chiefly to consider the character and importance of the 
country which we have reoccupied, and its relation to the 
Northeastern States of Mexico. 

THE VALLEY OF THE RIO GRANDE. 

Prior to the settlement of the country by the Spaniards, 
in the year 1780, this fertile valley was the home of the 
native Indian, who, with his simple tastes, found an easy 
and grateful support in the tropical fruits, which flourish- 
ed in great abundance on the fruitful river margins. 

As usual in all occupations of territory by the Span- 
iards, with their mixed theocratic and military rule, the 



priest went side by side with the soldiery ; and when the 
restless spirit of the man-at-arms led him to seek new 
fields of adventure and conquest, the more educated and 
practical mind and settled purpose of the soldier of God, 
caused him to remain behind to enjoy the fruits of his 
labors, and to civilize and educate the savage to a new 
culture and a new faith. The priest found his worldly 
account in this, and from the labor of the native obtained 
a rich return for his pastoral care. Missions were quickly 
established, and the natives were employed in the herd- 
ing of cattle and the raising of corn. The stock increased 
with amazing rapidity, and at the time of the Mexican 
War of Independence, the whole broad belt of prairie 
land from the Rio Grande to the Nueces, now a part of 
Texas, was filled with vast herds of cattle and sheep ; and 
horses, also, roamed over this fertile pasturage almost 
unchecked of man. 

In 1821, the Mexicans ventured to throw off the yoke 
of Spain, and a plan of national independence was de- 
clared at Iguala. General Iturbide declared himself 
Emperor soon afterwards. This was the first in a series 
of pronunciamentos, reactions, and revolutions, which 
have arrested the progress and checked the growth of 
this magnificent country ; but it is only just to observe 
that all the struggles have sprung from the stern resolve 
of the Mexicans not to submit in peace or quiet to the 
yoke of the stranger, to the absolute rule which priest and 
captain alike sought to impose. 

With the declaration of war came the withdrawal of 
the Spanish troops from the border, and the abandonment 



5 



of the Mission establishments. The Indians soon relapsed 
into their savage state, and sought to exterminate the 
stranger. Padre Balli, one of the leading priests, with- 
drew with his stock to an island on the coast, which has 
ever since borne the name of Padre Island, in honor of 
his residence. It is stated, as an instance of the rapid 
increase of stock, that about 1840, the island was literally 
covered by it ; a few years later, one of those inunda- 
tions to which the Gulf coast is at times subject, and 
which cover all the coast except the high bluffs of Point 
Isabel, swept the island, and destroyed all the cattle. A 
part of the inhabitants took refuge on Point Isabel, and 
were saved. It was at the same period that the little 
town of Brazos Saint Jago, on the island of Brazos, 
which skirts the coast south of and opposite to Padre 
Island, was also destroyed. 

As late as 1838, a traveler reports that "large herds of 
wild cattle were to be seen ranging on the luxuriant 
pasturage of the wide-spread and unsettled prairies of 
Southwestern Texas." During the Texan struggle for 
independence, repeated forays into the debatable terri- 
tory, swept off large portions of this stock to the eastern 
portions of the State, and it is now scarcely to be met 
with on the border. 

Yet this pasturage is a proved element of the wealth 
of the country, and stock may be rapidly increased, to 
the great profit of the settler. It is estimated that the 
annual yield is not less than 33^ per cent, gross, or 
25 per cent, nett, deducting deaths. The cost of raising 
beeves five years old, is about three dollars ; of horses 



and mules, $10 a $12 the head. At the time of annex- 
ation, 1845, the stock-raiser thought himself well paid at 
$4 a $5 per head for stock cattle, and $8 a $10 for fat 
beeves; but the increase of trade with the Northern 
States, had carried prices, in 1860^ to $20 the head for 
good beeves. 

THE TOPOGRAPHY OF THE GULF COAST. 

The water on the whole of the Gulf Coast from New 
Orleans to Tampico, is extremely shallow, and affords but 
few even passable harbors — none of the first-class. From 
New Orleans to Aransas Pass we find those of Sabine, 
Galveston, and Passo Cavallo, the entrance to Matagorda 
Bay. From Aransas Pass to Tampico, a distance of 400 
miles, the only harbor of any kind is that of Brazos San- 
tiago, or Point Isabel. At the mouth of the Rio Grande 
there is no harbor worthy of the name. The water on 
the bar varies from two and a half to six feet in depth — 
never exceeding the latter, and rarely over four feet. 
Sailing vessels can only cross it in tow of steamers. Dur- 
ina: the season of northers, it is extremelv hazardous for 
vessels even to lay oif the bar. This bar, on account of its 
uncertain and shifting character, can hardly be improved, 
being formed by inundations from the sea, and not from 
the deposits of the river. 



BRAZOS SANTIAGO THE HARBOR OF MATAMOROS AND 
BROWNSVILLE. 

Except to those who have made a careful study of the 
topography of the Eio Grande country, or those who 
have had a direct interest in that quarter, it may not be 
generally known that Matamoros and Brownsville, which 
face each other from the Mexican and United States 
banks of the great river, are at a considerable distance 
by the river from its mouth. The course of the river as 
it nears the sea is extremely tortuous, and 'the two towns, 
which are not more than twenty miles from the Boca del 
Rio, or mouth of the river, by an air-line, and thirty-six 
miles by the river road, which leads by short cuts across 
the larger bends, are seventy miles distant from the 
mouth by the course of the stream. 

Owing to this in part, but chiefly to the dangerous 
nature of the Rio Grande bar, the harbor of Brazos San- 
tiago, nine miles north of the mouth of the Rio Grande, 
is practically the harbor of Matamoros and Brownsville, 
and the point by which all the exports and imports of 
the fertile valley of the Rio Grande, including the States 
of Tamaulipas, Coahuila, and Nuevo Leon, with their rich 
mineral wealth, must pass. As has been remarked, Tam- 
pico is the nearest Mexican harbor, and is distant 240 
miles, at the most southern point of Tamaulipas. The 
entrance to the harbor of Brazos Santiago is between 
Padre Island to the north and Brazos Island to the south. 
The bar at all times affords a sufficient depth of water for 
vessels drawing eight, and frequently for those drawing 



nine feet. The United States Engineer charged with the 
survey of this point in 1854 reported that by a regular 
system of dredging, similar to that in use at the mouth 
of the Mississippi^ twelve feet could be kept at all times. 
The bar itself is a ridge of loose sand. To the northwe&t 
from the pass is Point Isabel, a bluff about twenty-six 
feet above high water-mark, on which, as the only place 
secure from the overflow, are built the light-house, the 
custom-house, the wharves, and warehouses. Previous to 
the American occupation of the country, Point Isabel was 
the port of entry for Matamoros, and the Mexican Cus- 
tom-House was here stationed ; since the Mexican war the 
greater part of the foreign trade of the upper and lower 
valley of the Eio Grande has been carried on through 
this point. 

From Point Isabel to Brownsville the distance is shorter 
than by the river road from the mouth of the Rio Grande, 
not exceeding twenty-six miles by the road and twenty 
by air-line. 

The harbor is safe except in the most violent northers, 
and although vessels drawing above six feet cannot run 
up to the wharves at Point Isabel, yet such are the dan- 
gers of the bar at other points, and so much greater the 
cost of lighterage, that this is the most secure and eco- 
nomical method of carrying on the trade. Thai this was 
recognized to be the case is evident from the fact that a 
company was formed, and subscription-books were about 
to be opened, to build a railroad from Monterey, Nuevo 
Leon, to Matamoros, and from Brownsville to Point Isabel, 
when secession, in 1861, broke up the scheme. 



IMPORTANCE OF POINT ISABEL. 

These particulars are entered into to show the great 
importance to the United States, as well as to Mexico, of 
our holding securely this valuable point. It has already 
been shown that it is the only harbor on the coast for 400 
miles, and, whatever power shall hold it, will inevitably 
control the trade not only of the Rio Grande Valley, but 
of a large part of Northern Mexico. It seems, therefore, 
clearly the policy of the Government immediately to es- 
tablish defensive works and store-houses at this point, and 
to take -a permanent possession, never again to be surren- 
dered or left to the chances of rebellion at home or in- 
vasion from abroad. There are at present no such defenses. 
During the Mexican War a depot was established here by 
General Taylor, and this site selected as a base of opera- 
tions for his campaign. A mud fort — Fort Polk — was 
thrown up, the remains of which exist. A powerful and 
permanent casemated work should be erected, and light 
draught gun-boats be permanently stationed in the harbor. 
Fort Brown, which commands both Brownsville and Mata- 
moros opposite, should be restored and armed, and a rail- 
road at once built to connect Brownsville and Point Isabel. 
The triangle thus formed by the gulf, the river, and the 
road between these two points would form an admirable 
position for defense. The short line between the two 
forts protected by them, and with the water on both flanks, 
would prove impregnable against a large force. 



10 



BROWNSVILLE MATAMOROS. 



These ports practically depend on the harbor of Brazos 
for the greater part of their commerce. Two-thirds of 
all the commerce of Matamoros have, until recently, been 
under the American flag. Both are flourishing places. 
In 1841 the extent of the trade of Matamoros with the 
United States reached the sum of $4,600,000, of which 
$2,000,000 were inward and $2,200,000 outward car- 
goes, including $1,800,000 in specie and $400,000 in 
hides. Its imports are chiefly breadstuffs, spices, provi- 
sions, cloths ; its exports, specie, hides, and wOol. As 
the mining districts are further developed, there will be 
a large demand for machinery of all kinds. Since the 
Mexican war, the trade has much increased, and that of 
Brownsville alone was estimated in 3 861 at $8,000,000. 

Since the rebellion began, an immense contraband 
trade has been done, reaching millions in amount, and 
keeping always employed a large number of vessels. 
There have been at all times on the coast, awaiting car- 
goes, from 60 to 70 vessels. The recent expedition of 
Gen. Banks found 26 sail, and this in unfavorable 
weather — the export has been chiefly cotton. This 
cotton, grown 350 miles up the coast, in the heart 
of Texas, has been dragged by wagons this great 
distance ; cotton, wagons, horses, teamsters, all being 
conscripted by the rebel military authorities to carry on 
this absolutely necessary trade to the Confederacy. 

By this trade Matamoros had become one of the lead- 



n 

ing ports on this continent. It is estimated that from 
150,000 to 200,000 bales of cotton, a value approximat- 
ing to $100,000,000, have found shipment from this 
point ; 20,000 bales are reported to have been found 
there by Gen. Banks. The imports were of every kind 
of supply which could help the rebels in arms. With 
the stoppage of this contraband trade, Matamoros will, of 
course, relapse to her former position, neither these ex- 
ports nor imports being for her own account — the fruit 
of the industry, or the measure of the wants of the 
Mexican country which she supplies. 

THE MEXICAN TRADE AND THE FRENCH BLOCKADE. 

The commerce of the Rio Grande valley, and of the 
northeastern States of Mexico, is of importance to the 
United States, although a considerable portion has been 
under English control. The blockade of the lower 
coast established by France will, if immediate steps 
be taken by our Government and enterprising citi- 
zens, throw the whole of this valuable trade into 
our hands. The proclamation of the Emperor Na- 
poleon, declaring the blockade, exempted, it will 
be remembered, all points within ten leagues of the 
Rio Grande (though recent vessels state that the block- 
ade is efi'ective to within nine miles of the river), and it 
has been argued that the Emperor made this exemption 
for the double purpose of enabling the revolutionary 
party, acting in the interest of France, to overthrow the 
Juarez Government in the Province of Tamaulipas, and 



12 



of facilitating the contraband trade between the rebels 
and foreign powers. There is nothing in the facts to 
bear out this assertion. It is not shown that the French 
have participated in or profited by such contraband 
trade, and it is not probable that a Government like that 
of France, itself interested in maintaining the law of 
blockade, would, to its own manifest disadvantage, and 
in the interest of English speculators and of the rebels 
alone, have adopted such a policy ; nor is there anything 
in the course of France, during the rebellion, which 
shows the slightest desire on her part to contribute to its 
success — certainly no act of the Government or citizens 
has shown such desire. On the contrary, her course, 
though not always an agreeable or palatable one to the 
United States, has been marked by a perfect good fliith. 
Undoubtedly, the Emperor would have been gratified 
had the Provinces of Tamaulipas, Coahuila, and Nuevo 
Leon, declared in favor of the new order which he seeks 
to establish, and his agents have probably been active to 
this end, as seems to be shown by the recent news from 
Matamoros, but it is not apparent how a failure to block- 
ade the coast would conduce to this result. On the con- 
trary, it would seem that such course would enable the 
Mexicans to obtain arms and munitions of war to defeat 
such schemes. But the truth lies in quite a different di- 
rection. The blockade was not declared over this coast, 
because, between Tampico, at the southern extremity of 
Tamaulipas and the Rio Grande, there are no harbors to 
blockade — no custom-houses or ports of entry to close. 
Matamoros itself is 70 miles up the river, and the mouth 



13 

of the Rio Grande could not very well be blockaded, 
because in part United States waters, and, what is 
of equal importance, not worth blockading — Brazos San- 
tiago being, as we have shown, the only harbor and port 
on the coast for 400 miles, and in United States terri- 
tory. 

The effect of the French blockade of Tarapico, and the 
occupation of Point Isabel and the Brazos by the United 
States, will be, therefore, to place the whole trade of 
Northern and of much of Interior Mexico within the con- 
trol of the United States. 



EXTENT OF MEXICAN .TRADE. 

Carlos Butterfield, in his valuable work on the Com- 
merce, Trade, and Statistics of Mexico, which was pub- 
lished in 1861, states the total annual value of foreign 
imports into the Republic of Mexico at $26,000,000, of 
foreign exports at $28,000,000— total, $54,000,000, dis- 
tributed as follows : 

TO AND FROM TO AND FEOM 

England $33,400,000 Guatamala, Ecna- 

U. States, 1858. . . 8,700,000 dor, New Grana- 

Fiance 5,500,000 da, Tenezuela, 

Germany 2,000,000 Chili $500,000 

Sjmin 1,200,000 Island of Cuba, . .. 1,200,000 

Belfjium 400,000 India and China. . 1,000,000 

Sardinia 100,000 



Total $54,r00,000 

In 1835, the commercial exchanges between Mexico 



14 

and the United States, were above $20,000,000 ; in 1858, 
they had dwindled to below $8,000,000. Thus has our 
trade with this our next-door neighbor, declined, while 
that of England has steadily increased. 

The cause of this may be mainly ascribed to the wise 
policy of Great Britain and the indifference of our own 
Government, and especially to the large and liberal man- 
ner in which regular mail lines, affording constant and 
safe communication for merchants, conveyance for pas- 
sengers, mid freigJd for specie^ a large export of Mexico, 
have been established and maintained by the subsidies 
of the British Government. 

The export of silver from Mexico amounts annually to 
$23,000,000 ; her other exports to only $3,000,000. Of 
this export of specie, only $4,342,535 were shipped to 
the United States in the year ending July, 1858. 

The population of Mexico is about 8,000,000 ; her 
imports $26,000,000 ; average per capita of consumption 
of foreign products, $3 14, against a consumption by 
Cuba of $27 29 ; South America, $6 13 ; United States, 
$9 26; Canada, $19 16. 

The Mexican Government has shown a strong desire to 
increase the extent of her relations with the United States, 
and proposed to pay $120,000 per annum as a part sub- 
sidy to a mail line to be established, if the United States 
would join in fostering the enterprise. 

The extent of the commercial relations of the United 
States with Mexico, may be seen from the following 
table : 



15 



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RESOURCES OF TAMAULIPAS, NUEVO LEON, AND COAHUILA. 

The States of Tamaulipas on the coast, Nuevo Leon 
and Coahuila to the interior in the order named, all 
bounded on the north by the Rio Grande, compose the 
northeastern States of Mexico, and are those which de- 
:.pend wholly for their supplies from without on the 
importations of Matamoros and Brownsville. 
fj Tamaulipas produces cotton rice, sugar-cane, corn, 
"black beans, barley and tropical fruits in abundance. 
iHorses, mules and cattle are raised in great numbers. 
a; Nuevo Leon is a mountainous country abounding in 
■mines of silver, iron, copper, and lead, capable of a great 
development with the aid of the new improved machinery 
and reduced price of quicksilver. The mines are essen- 
tially virgin, and have been little worked, owing to the 
difficulty hitherto experienced of transporting the pro- 
duct to the coast. Nitrate of potash and muriate of soda 
are also found in large quantities. The capital of the 
State is the ancient city of Monterey, with a population 
of 30,000 inhabitants. Stock is raised in abundance under 
the liberal rule of the present Governor. Eight or ten 
cotton factories have been established, which obtain their 
raw material from Texas, and numerous tanneries and other 
mechanical establishments are in successful operation. 

Coahuila is more mountainous and less flourishing than 
either of the preceding. Its population is sparse ; the 
vine is cultivated to some extent, and with great success. 
Formerly the mines were extensively worked, and with 
large results, but the internal disturbances and Indian 



17 

raids have destroyed this industry. There are several 
cotton factories in this State, of which the principal is at 
Saltilio, the capital, a place of some 20,000 inhabitants. 
Parras, a town of 8,000 iohabitants, is famous for its 
wines. 

Both of these States are under the government of Vi- 
DAURRi, an energetic and cultivated man, who is doing 
much for the prosperity of the country. 

Further to the westward, adjoining Coahuila, is the 
State of Chihuahua, rich in agriculture, in vineyards, in 
pasturage, and in mines — principally silver — of matchless 
richness. The coinage of the mint of Chihuahua, is 
$1,000,000 annually, but this does not include one-third 
of the amount taken from the mines. Cotton is grown 
here also with great success, the climate being favorable 
and the temperature even. 

The population of these States, by last authorities, 
was: Taraaulipas, 108,514; Nuevo Leon, and Coahuila, 
212,450 ; Chihuahua, 160,000. 

In addition to these States, those of Zacatecas, Duran- 
go, Aguas Calientas, and part of San Luis Potosi, all 
miuing districts, and after the State of Mexico, containing 
the most thriving and active population in the Republic, 
have depended almost entirely upon the ports of Mata- 
moros and Brownsville for their supplies, the roads from 
Tampico being unfit for wagon travel, and its only com- 
munication with a large part of these States being by 
pack mules through the mountain passes. 
2 



38 



THE MINES OF THE SIERRA MADRE, 

It is to the mines of the States of Niievo Leon, Cos- 
liuila and Chihuahua, that the attention turBs with cbief 
interest. The immense yield of gold since the discovery 
of the wealth of California and Australia greatly in- 
creases the importance of adding to the silrer wealth of 
the world, so that the eqnilibrinm of the precious 
metals may be preserved- — and the continned drain of 
silver to the East, whither it annually poizrs in a con- 
tinuons tide which hjis no reflux, has already begun to 
cause some anxiety among the more careful observers of 
the financial movements of the world. 

The silver wealth of Mexico is miequalled. Homboldt 
estimated the yield of the mines prior to 1803 at $1,767,- 
' 952,000. The coinage of the Mexican mint in thirty 
years reached $453,865,367. The most brilliant of Mex- 
ican fortunes have been the reward of successful mining. 
Of the most noted instances are those of the Fajoago 
family, which in the short space of five months, from a 
front of 102 feet in the outcropping of a silver mine, 
■ made a net profit of four million dollars. 

The Count of Regla, in twelve years, obtained a net 
profit of five millions ; Zunega took from the mine of 
Santa Anna over four millions. 

The Real del Monte mines, near the city of Mexico, 
commenced yielding in 1759, and up to 1781, had pro- 
duced fifteen millions, and from that time to the revolu- 
tion ten millions. 



19 



These are instances of the results of the most famous 
mines. The mines in the Sierra Madre, in the three 
States named, are as yet nearly virgin, and have never 
been worked with any regularity or system — the Indians 
having almost broken up the settlements outside of the 
large mines — but there is nothing in the configuration of 
the country which warrants the belief that they are any 
less rich than those of which these wondrous tales are 
told. Moreover, the yield has as yet been only partial, 
the old "patio" process not being adequate to the treat- 
ment of refractory ores. The application of the new pro- 
cesses has been found to increase the yield three to five 
fold. 

The mines of the districts named are peculiarly well 
situated for early and cheap development — the country 
being well timbered, the soil capable of any production, 
and the climate healthy in an uncommon degree. 

There are also valuable copper and lead mines in the 
vicinity of Monterey, as well as throughout this part of 
Mexico, and all of the product that has been brought to 
the New York market has been found to contain a large 
percentage of silver. As an evidence of the cheapness 
of labor it is stated that lead from Monterey was sold 
here in 1858 and 1859 at five and three-quarter cents 
per pound, and paid a fair profit to the miner, after the 
payment of all expenses, freight and commissions. 
When it is considered that this ore was transported 
hundreds of miles by ox-teams, and yet was profitably 
sold, some idea may be imagined of the wealth which 
this industry will yield when steam and railroads have 



120 

diminished the cost of transportation. Those who are 
aware of the extent of the private fortunes suddenly ac- 
quired by those interested in the Illinois lead mines will 
appreciate the importance of what may, after all, be con- 
sidered as of merely secondary importance in the North- 
eastern States of Mexico. 

MONTEREY THE CENTRE OF THE INTERIOR TRADE. 

The thriving city of Monterey, the capital of Nuevo 
Leon, which lies at the foot of the Sierra Madre, about 
240 miles west of Matamoros, is the natural point of 
distribution for Northern and Interior Mexico. Its popu- 
lation, not over 20,000 at the period of the Mexican war 
with the United States, has rapidly increased, until it 
counts now over 30,000 souls. Nearly all the trade of 
Northern Mexico which formerly passed by the plains, 
through Santa Fe, in long wagon trains, to Chihuahua 
«,nd DuRANGO, now passes by Monterey, at an economy 
of, at least, one-half in actual expense, and of time in a 
much larger ratio. 

The roads are open, throughout the year, from this 
point in all directions ; while that from Tampico is 
almost closed during the rainy seasons, and mules are 
unable to pass the flood-bottoms, which cause, at times, 
long and serious detentions. There is no other mode of 
transportation from Tampico than by mules — there being 
no wagon train across the mountains, which lie between 
the coast and the interior. The change in the carrying 
trade, which has taken place since the war with the 



21 



United States, has contributed largely to develop Mon- 
terey as a central depot of merchandise. Before the 
war, all the trade was by mules. Now, instead of large 
" atajos " (caravans) of mules, the roads of the interior 
are traveled by wagons; and nearly all the muleteers 
have turned wagon-masters. 

A railroad from Point Isabel to Brownsville, and 
from Matamoros, on the opposite bank, to Monterey, 
would turn the whole of the supply of this rich and fer- 
tile country into American hands. The road from Mata- 
moros, for three-fourths of the distance, is almost level, 
and would require very little grading, — the approach to 
Monterey being the only section which would need any 
unusual outlay, and that only for a short distance. Labor 
was extremely cheap, before the French intervention in 
Mexican affairs, and, as the influence of this movement 
has not directly affected the interior provinces, is still 
very low. Before the war period, peon labor did not 
command above $8 and $10 per month. Timber is 
plenty ; and ail materials can be obtained in the country, 
except iron. Probably, in no part of the world could a 
road, of the same length, be as cheaply constructed. Once 
built, a large part of the transportation of the interior 
would pass over it; while the lead and copper mines, 
which, notwithstanding the great cost of cartage, are 
being worked with success, would provide a sufficient 
return freight. 

The inhabitants of the States of Nuevo Leon and 
Coahuila, are the most enterprising, industrious and 
patriotic citizens of the Republic, and, in their relations 



22 

with foreigners, have always displayed a liberal and cordial 
spirit. Especially is this true of them in their dealings 
with the Union citizens of Texas, who have fled across 
the border to find, on a foreign soil, escape from the 
tyranny and rapacity of their own countrymen. Many a 
refugee will testify to the kindnesses received from the 
hospitable " hacendados." 

MEXICAN EAILROAD PROJECTS. 

Under the liberal and enlightened rule of Governor 
ViDAURRi, there have been several efforts made to estab- 
lish railroad communication with the Gulf In 1857, a 
company was formed in Mexico, under the title of the 
"Monterey and Rio Grande Eailroad Company," and in 
their name Senior Estevan Zenteno addressed Governor 
Vidaurri an inquiry as to the aid which might be ex- 
pected from the Government of JSuevo Leon, to which the 
Governor made immediate reply. The "correspondence 
was thus published in the American Flag, of Browns- 
ville, of Sept. 16, 1857: 

" Office of the ) 

Monterey and Rio Grande Railroad, j 

" Excellent Sir, — The company which I have the honor 
" to represent, wishing to know all the difficulties which 
" may offer, that they may commence within the shortest 
"■ possible time, their work on the section of railroad 
" which, by authorization of the Supreme Government, 
" we have the privilege of constructing between the Rio 
" Grande or Bravo del Norte and Monterey, instruct me 
" to molest the attention of your Excellency, and beg of 



sa 



*' you to inform us as to the nature of the aid from tlie 
" State of Nuevo Leon, upon wliicli the company may 
" rely in her co-operation in the successful prosecution of 
'^ our enterprise. ' 

"Not doubting^ excellent sir, the notorious favor 
*' which jou profess for the advance of improvement in 
^' the whole country, we hope that to this, as the State 
*' over which you preside will reap immense advantages, 
*' yon. wiM extend all that protection and benevolence 
*•' for which you are characterized, and is so necessary for 
^^ the building of a railroad. 

^^ I ts.ke this occasion to assure your Excellency of my 
" respect and esteem. 

^' God and Liberty, Mexico, July 17, 1857. 

^'ESTEVAN ZeNTENO." 

"To the Most Excellent Governor and Commandant-Gen-' 
eral of Nuevo Leon and Coahuila, Santiago Yi- 

©AUERI. 

'^ To EsTEVAM Zenten©, Esq. : 

"■ In reply to, your note of yesterday, askisig the class 
*•* of auxiliaries which the States of Nuevo Leon and 
" Coahuila, could extend to the enterprise of arailroad 
'■^ from the Rio Bravo to Monterey, I say that you may 
'■'count upon the contribution of laborers, provisions, the 
** necessary timber, and escorts for the protection of the 
^' workmen, and in general all that may depend upon the 
" State, andis within its power to extend to the enterprise. 

" Persuaded that the realization of this project will be 
*■* a solid base for the development of commerce and in- 



24 



" dustiy, is of tlie first steps necessary for tlie ag^^randize- 
" ment of tlie State, you need have no doubt that for my 
" part, I will remove all diffieuties that may be presented, 
••^ and which are m my power to overcome. 
■ " I assure yon of the consideration of my esteem. 
" God and liberty, Mexico, 1857. 

"Santiago Yidaurri."" 

One-half, or perhaps a larger proportioa of the fnnds 
necessary to build the road, could readily be obtain- 
ed on the line of the road. The Texan Government, 
made grants of sections of land to all the railroad enter- 
prises, and bad made grants to the Point Isabel and 
Brownsville line, which was to be the American end of 
the Monterey and Gulf line. The grant of the Texas 
State Government to the Point Isabel and Brownsville 
road, was of sixteen sections, of 640 acres, or 10,240 
acres per mile. Other railroads were projected in 1857. 
One from Vera Cruz to the City of Mexico, passing 
through Orizaba, Pnebla, the rich plains of Apam, and 
from the City of Mexico to the Pacific by way of the 
cities of Queretaro, Guanajuato, the rich valley of the 
Bahio, the city of Guadalaxara, to the Pacific Coast at San 
Bias or Mazatlan. A portion of this road has been 
completed from Vera Cruz to Soledad, on the road to 
Orizaba, and a short section a few miles from the City of 
Mexico, toward the plains of Apam. There is also com- 
pleted a local road in the Yalley of Mexico, from the city 
to the suburban village of Tacubaya, some three miles 
distant. The revolutions of the Church party, under 



25 



ZuLOAGA and Miramon, against Comonfort, in 1858, 
checked these enterprises, and foreign intervention since 
has prevented any further attention to this subject, except 
so far as the French have pushed the raih^oad from Vera 
Cruz for their own military purposes. A project was also 
undertaken for a road from New Camargo, on the San 
Juan River to Monterey. Camargo is on the river oppo- 
site to Rio Grande city. General Carvajals organ, El 
Pueblo^ announced in August, 1857, that subscriptions 
had been obtained to the amount of one million of dollars. 
The Brownsville journal immediately urged the con- 
nection of Brownsville with Camargo, and closed an ur- 
gent appeal with the following passage : " What mind 
' can comprehend the advantages of the position of 
' Brownsville ! With the only seaport for four hundred 
' miles of coast, with an already populated country to 
' supply, and with the hordes of emigrants that such a 
' road would bring in, the property-holders, and every 
' inhabitant of Northern Mexico, might safely date the 
' beginning of an era of plenty, prosperity, happiness 
' and riches, such as was never dreamed of by their most 
' sanguine votaries. The people of those two States, or 
' rather three, of Tamaulipas, Nuevo Leon, and Coa- 
' huila, have the capital. It only requires the energy. Will 
' they exert that energy? Time will show." 



26 



TEXAS RAILROAD PROJECTS. 



Besides the road from Point Isabel to Brownsville, 
which was interrupted by secession in 1861, there had 
been several projects to connect the Gulf with the in- 
terior of Mexico, among which were prominent a plan 
for a railroad from Aransas Pass, on the Gulf Coast, to 
Mazatlan, on the Pacific, a distance of 666 statute miles ; 
a charter was obtained from the Juarez Government, but 
no steps seem to have been since taken, owing to the 
Mexican troubles, and the non-ratification by the United 
States of the Juarez Treaty. 

RESOURCES OF THE UNITED STATES BORDER OF THE RIO 

GRANDE. 

There is no accurate estimate of the population of the 
Counties of Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Zapata, Webb, 
Maverick, and Kinney, which in the order named skirt 
the northern bank of the river, and compose the United 
States portion of the Rio Grande Valley.* The raids of 
Indians, and incursions of robber bands from Mexico, 
have rendered it too unsafe for a regular culture ; but in 



* The population of these counties was, by the last census, 1860 ; Cameron, 
6,028; Hidalgo, 1,192; Starr, 2,400; Zapata, 1,248; Webb, 1,397; Maverick, 
726 ; and Kinney, 61 — in all 13,058 — of which only 15 were slaves. Yet this 
could not then be considered as a fair estimate of the population. It is, of 
course, much smaller now than at any previous period since the Mexican war. 



27 



the future the natural advantages - of this magnificent 
country are destined to add enormously to the wealth, of 
the State of Texas, and to afford habitation to a large 
population. The climate is even, rarely presenting the 
extremes of cold or heat. The soil on the river banks is 
not surpassed in richness by that of the Banks of the Nile, 
and is of similar character ; and cotton, corn, sugar-cane, 
and rice, are all produced with ease, and in bountiful 
profusion. As a grazing country for cattle and sheep, it 
can hardly be surpassed. The orange, fig, olive, and 
pomegranate, may be grown in the lower valley in abun- 
dance. The climate is of the most delightful character, 
and the atmosphere pure and delightful. 

At the other extremity, near El Paso, the whole vast 
country bordering on the spurs and chains of the Sierra 
Madre is studded on every side with metallic ore, valua- 
ble beyond the calculation of man, and the possession of 
which may well excite the cupidity of dynasties, decide 
the destiny of nations, and change the political aspect of. 
the world. 



THE RIO GRANDE ITS TOWNS AND MILITARY POSTS. 

The Rio Grande seems, says an old writer, to have 
been discovered at three different points by the Spani- 
ards; and without knowing it to be the same stream, the 
discoverers gave it as many different names, which are 
used to this day. The discoverers of the river at Santa 
Fe, in the north of Mexico, called it the Rio del Norte ; 
at the Presidio, on account of its great width, they called 



28 



it the Rio Grande ; and at Reynoso, where the Indians 
were fierce and warlike (^Indios Bravos)^ it was denomi- 
nated the Rio Bravo. 

At the mouth of the river, the Boca del Rio, is 
Bagdad, formerly an insignificant place of less than 100 
inhabitants, but which the contraband cotton trade has 
since increased to a considerable number of frame shan- 
ties, and a population of nearly 2,000 persons. With the 
occupation of the frontier, this village will soon resume 
its former insignificance. 

Ascending the river, the first places of importance — 
and of paramount importance, as commanding the com- 
merce of the great river — are Brownsville, on the United 
States shore, a town of about 4,000, and Matamoros, on 
the Mexican shore, an older city, of about 8,000 inhabit- 
ants. Of these two rivals, which face each other at a 
distance not exceeding two miles, Brownsville is by far 
the most eligible in point of situation. Built upon 
a bank, high at the lowest stages of water, and always 
above overflow, the town overlooks Matamoros, which is 
about one and a half miles back from the river on the op- 
posite bank at low water, but, when the river rises, is 
almost washed by the overflow. To this superiority is 
owing the great importance of Brownsville as a military 
post. Below, the river bends to the south. Upon this 
bend, equally commanding Brownsville at its feet, Mata- 
moros to the south, and Fort Paredes, a Mexican post, 
stands Fort Brown, famous in history as the scene of the 
gallant and protracted defence of Major Brown, until re- 
lieved by Gen. Taylor, early in the Mexican war. 



29 



RiNGOLD Barracks is the first military station above 
Fort Brown, distant by land about 100 miles, and by 
water 200 miles from the mouth of the river. Near it is 
the town of Rio Grande City, one mile above, on the 
Texas side. Opposite, on the San Juan River, near 
where it flows into the Rio Grande, is Camargo, a Mexi- 
can town of ahout 2,000 inhabitants. Above, on the 
Texas side, is Roma, a small but enterprising place of 
500 inhabitants. This is the nominal head of steamboat 
navigation, and about 330 miles from the mouth of the 
river. Ascending, we find on the Mexican side, Mier, 
two miles from the Rio Grande bank on the river Alcan- 
tro, with a population of 2,000. Guerrero, six miles 
from the river, on the Salado, with a population of 4,000. 
During the United States occupation of Ringold barracks 
supplies were always brought from Fort Brown by steam- 
boat. 

Fort McIntosh, near the town of Laredo, is the next 
military post, and distant from Ringold Barracks about 
120 miles by land, and 21 6 by water. 

Fort Duncan, near Eagle Pass, is the next military 
post. It is distant about 100 miles by land, and 234 by 
water, above Fort Mcintosh. The only town of conse- 
quence between the two posts is Presidio, distant six 
miles from the Rio Grande, and thirty miles from Fort 
Duncan. Its population is about 2,000. It was at this 
point that Gen. Wool's column crossed the river in 1846. 
About twelve miles above Fort Duncan there is an ex- 
tensive mine of bituminous coal. 



30 



These last posts — Forts Mcintosh and Duncan — were 
supplied by keel boats and a mule train. 

Beyond Eagle Pass there are no settlements, either 
Mexican or American, the Indians being too numerous 
for safety. 

The next military post is at El Paso del Norte, in the 
beautiful and fruitful valley of that name, at the Falls of 
the Rio Grande. 

Such are the military posts on the river. Two of 
them — Forts Brown and Duncan — were styled by the 
Adjutant-General of the United States Army, in his 
report to Mr. Crawford, Secretary of War in 1849, 
" The Keys to the Upper Provinces of Mexico.'" 

The Rio Grande averages in width about 400 feet. 
The nominal head of navigation, as we have stated, is 
Roma, but at all seasons boats drawing 3J feet may go as 
high as Guerrero, 103 miles from Ringold Barracks. 
During five months of the year, from June to November, 
when the river is high, vessels of this draught can go to 
Kingsbury Falls, 169 miles above Fort Mcintosh (La- 
redo), and 1 1 miles below Presidio, and a lighter class of 
vessels could navigate at all seasons. 

It is considered that a moderate expenditure would 
make the river navigable from the mouth to a consider- 
able distance above, as well as below Laredo ; for the 
obstructions, though numerous, are not of a serious 
character — the bed of the Kingsbury Falls, which is a 
slight descent of about four feet in a length of two hundred 
feet, being of soft limestone, easily broken by the 
pickax. The river can probably be made navigable 



31 



to El Paso, 1,400 miles from the month ; thus bringing 
within easy reach of commerce the extensive valley of 
this name, with its boundless products and unexampled 
fertility. 



DUTY OF THE GOVERNMENT. 

Toward this rich country the eyes of France are turned 
in eagerness, and in Mexico she would fain seek a coun- 
terpoise for the gold mines of Australia, which pour their 
wealth into the lap of England, and the auriferous fields 
of California, the modern Ophir, which pays her shining 
tribute to the industry of the United States. Every 
advantage is upon our side ; the prize is within our 
reach, and no power on earth can take it from us, if we 
be true to ourselves. The development of this magnifi- 
cent country would afford ample occupation for all our 
national enterprise, and every effort would add not only 
to our wealth and prosperity, but would aid to bind to 
us more closely those distant States, and bring us nearer 
to our brethren who are w^orking eastward from the 
shores of the Pacific. 

Let the Government direct that the ports on the line 
of the Rio Grande be garrisoned and firmly held — occupy 
in force the coast line — render Point Isabel and Browns- 
ville impregnable — the former with a casemated work — • 
and then open the trade with Mexico to all, without 
restrictions of any kind. A line of steamers could at 
once be established between New York, New Orleans 
and Point Isabel, and subsidized by Congress. The rea- 



32 

sons which operate against a liberal opening of the 
recovered rebel ports, will not hold good in the case of 
Brownsville, for the reason. that the abnormal and strange 
trade in cotton at Matamoros will wholly cease, and no 
surveillance even will be necessary to prevent goods 
going northward to the Confederacy after the cotton 
teams have stopped their trips, for the reason that there 
would be no mode of transportation. Brownsville would 
again become the depot for Mexican and not Texan sup- 
ply. The Northeastern States of Mexico should be 
encouraged to stand true and firm in their resistance to 
French invasion, and in a few months, a commerce, 
beyond any which we have yet dreamed of, would be 
organized with Mexico, to the mutual advantage of both 
countries. 

The Central and Southern States of Mexico, encouraged 
by our sympathy, would put forth new efforts, and 
inspired by the noble example of the patriots of the Rio 
Grande districts, would throw off the yoke of the invaders 
and reassert their ancient liberties. 

With the rebellion vanquished, the Union re-estab- 
lished, never again to be assailed,. and Mexico once more 
a free and vigorous Republic, what power or combina- 
tion of powers would dare to stop the western course of 
Empire, or seek to plant on our young and virgin soil, 
the impress of their false government and effete civiliza- 
tion. 

Then would the vision of Canning be realized of a 
*' new world called into being to redress the balance of 
the old," but in a broader sense than he dreamed of; 



33 



not simply as a redress of tlie balance of conflicting 
European interests, but as a world's counterpoise to her 
mailgn and warlike policy. The interest of friendly and 
united republican America, would be the common interest 
of mankind, the interest of humanity, of civilization, and 
of peace. 




LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




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